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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

All content by Natalie Melendez
All adults in the US are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and in some states, all residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. However, even as vaccination rates continue to increase, some students feel unsure about the safety of returning to pre-pandemic activities. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Even after vaccination, some students’ concerns about COVID-19 remain

As vaccination rates throughout the state continue to increase, some students feel unsure about the safety of the city and resuming their pre-pandemic activities.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer May 4, 2021

Over a year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the end to the nightmare seems near. April 19 marked the day adults 18 and older in the United States...

Orchard Grocer, located at 78 Orchard St, is an all-vegan deli and grocer. They offer vegan sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream, and groceries for vegans and non-vegans alike. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Orchard Grocer: A vegan paradise for everyone

Market and deli Orchard Grocer offers a variety of food items that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer May 4, 2021

Orchard Grocer, which lies in the heart of the Lower East Side on the lively Orchard Street, is an entirely vegan market and deli that many vegans like myself have come to consider...

For the 2020-2021 school year, NYU reopened its Washington Square campus with a combination of hybrid, in-person, and fully remote classes. This nontraditional experience has given NYU first-year students some unique college memories. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

NYU’s Class of 2024 reflects on their first year

After an unusual start to their college career, NYU first-years recall some of their standout memories while holding out hope for a normal college experience this fall.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer May 3, 2021

When the Class of 2024 imagined their first year of college, they envisioned spending their days strolling through the city streets and their nights laughing with friends during...

A picture of Sunrise NYU members protesting for policing abolition. Sunrise NYU is a chapter of the nationwide Sunrise Movement, a youth-led organization dedicated to fighting climate change, promoting social justice and campaigning for the implementation of the Green New Deal. (Photo Courtesy of Sunrise NYU)

Meet Sunrise NYU: A youth driven movement fighting for a greener planet

Youth-led activist organization Sunrise NYU is on a mission to create a more sustainable and environmentally just community for NYU students and New York City at large.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer April 15, 2021

If you’ve ever come across a group of students making protest signs in Washington Square Park or hanging environmental and social justice flyers around campus, then you’ve...

Too Good To Go, an app, allows users to buy restaurants' leftover food at a discounted price in an effort to reduce food waste. Users are able to take action against food waste, while also having access to affordable meals. (Staff Photo by George Papazov)

Saving the planet and your wallet

The app, Too Good To Go, allows users to join the fight against food waste by purchasing restaurants’ leftover food at a discounted price.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer April 7, 2021

With the enormous portion sizes at today’s restaurants, there’s a good chance you’ll have leftovers at the end of the meal. The best thing to do is to take them home to microwave...

Tamam Falafel, located near Union Square, is a fast-casual Middle Eastern vegan eatery. They offer plant-based options such as hummus bowls and falafel sandwiches. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Tamam Falafel offers new options for vegan students

A new Middle Eastern spot expands options for vegan students by offering a variety of hummus bowls and falafel sandwiches.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer April 7, 2021

I was making my way down 14th Street towards Union Square in late January when I stumbled upon a brand new sign where the 5 Napkin Burger Express shop once was.  The sign was...

Last Friday marked the first of two spring break days granted by NYU in lieu of the traditional week-long break. While the university advertised the revised break as a time for relaxation, it fell short of providing students with the time needed to properly de-stress. (Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

How NYU students spent spring break — if you can even call it that

Many students at NYU found themselves stressed over midterms during NYU’s spring break, a day designated to promote relaxation and wellness.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer March 24, 2021

I wasn’t looking for an adventure-filled long weekend.  I was more hoping to spend a peaceful day curled up in my dorm room, watching the movie I started the week before but...

A first-year NYU student created an anonymous Instagram confessions page, @nyuquarantineconf, during the Fall 2020 semester quarantine. This confessions page has allowed NYU’s Class of 2024 to find a sense of community in an unlikely time. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Behind the scenes of quarantine confessions

NYU’s class of 2024 has found a sense of community in the unlikeliest of places — an anonymous Instagram confessions page.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer March 22, 2021

Any first-year student who found themselves quarantined in their NYU dorm room last fall surely remembers the rush of adrenaline that came from refreshing their Instagram feed...

March is Women’s History Month, and each week, WSN's Culture desk staff writers are taking turns to highlight influential women figures in their lives. (Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Women’s history month: an ode to the women in our lives

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Culture Desk staff writers are taking turns every week to highlight the important female figures in their lives.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer March 16, 2021

Without a doubt, the most inspirational woman in my life is my mother. She has repeatedly taught me to never let circumstances define me.  My mother had an unconventional college...

Jajaja is located at 63 Carmine St. For a vegan Mexican-American like myself, Jajaja provides comfort and a sense of belonging, without the usual reliance on animal products. (Photo Courtesy of Kayla Haye)

Jajaja Plantas Mexicana: At the crossroads of Mexican cuisine and veganism

The restaurant merges the best of Mexican cuisine with veganism, so that people of all lifestyles can enjoy the pleasures of traditional Mexican dishes.
Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer March 11, 2021

If you’re in the mood for an authentic Mexican meal and the Tu Taco station at the Palladium Residence Hall food court just isn’t cutting it, then you’re in luck. A short...